State Highway 1 has reopened following a large diesel spill near Evansdale, north of Dunedin.

Police were notified just before 6am on Monday of the spill, just north of Evansdale Glen Rd, and said it affected multiple lanes.

It’s understood a milk tanker lost traction and wound up across the road.

A witness said traffic had been backed up to Waitati.

The road was  closed between the settlements of Waikouaiti and Evansdale for a few hours.  Light vehicles had to detour via the Coast Rd but this route was not suitable for heavy vehicles.

The New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi advised motorists to  take extra care through SH1 and adhere to temporary speed limits in place.

Meanwhile further north, a serious crash has closed part of SH1 in Mid-Canterbury between  Racecourse Rd and Northpark Rd.

A detour was in place.

- Allied Media